AT LEAST three schools in Loughborough have had confirmed cases of Scarlet Fever, the Echo has learnt.

Pupils at Stonebow Primary School, Mountfields Lodge School and Outwoods Edge Community Primary School have been diagnosed with the infection which causes a rash, a red and swollen tongue, and flushed cheeks.

In the first two months of 2014, Public Health England received more than quadruple the number of notifications of Scarlet Fever in Leicestershire compared to the same period in 2013, going from eight to 36.

Olivia Wood, headteacher at Stonebow Primary School, told the Echo that this was the first time cases of Scarlet Fever had been recorded at the school since she took on the role 10 years ago.

She said: “We have had two confirmed cases.

“The children were sent home and given antibiotics from a doctor.

“We were aware that it was around but I think that it is particularly bad in the East Midlands.”

Deputy headteacher at Mountfields Lodge School, Richard Jackson, said there had been “one or two” reported cases while Outwoods Edge Community Primary School said they had “a few cases but nothing alarming”.

Scarlet fever is mainly a childhood disease and is most common between the ages of two and eight.

Prof Mayur Lakhani, a GP in Sileby, said he had also seen cases of Scarlet Fever.

“I have seen four cases, all children, and there is definitely an outbreak,” he said.

“I have not seen it for a long time but it is making a comeback.

“It is not anything to be concerned about but it does need antibiotic treatment.

“We have epidemics from time to time and Scarlet Fever is caused by a particular bug.”

Dr Philip Monk, consultant in communicable disease at Public Health England, stressed that it was important people remembered good hygiene practices.

He said: “Scarlet Fever is an infection caused by bacteria known as Group A Streptococci which affect the throat.

“The bacteria which cause the infection produce toxins, which cause a rash, a red and swollen tongue and flushed cheeks.

“For the majority of cases of Scarlet Fever, a course of antibiotics will cure the illness and reduce the risk of complications.

“The bacteria are carried in saliva in the mouth and mucus from a runny nose so Scarlet Fever is spread from person to person either by breathing in airborne droplets from an infected person coughing or sneezing, or by touching the mucus or saliva of an infected person or items they have used.”